Hope for Afghan Children

Hello to all my friends, and to friends of the orphanages. Here's my story.  First, I read a book and became interested in RAWA (Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan). I was pretty much blown away by all that organization had done and is still doing, in Afghanistan and in the refugee camps in Pakistan.  At the time, orphanages in both countries were RAWA-sponsored, and I started my sponsorship activities at that time, several years ago now.  

Once I started and learned more about the orphanages and established wonderful relationships with the children and those responsible for running the orphanages, now under the auspices of AFCECO and Charity Help International …. well, I just couldn't stop.  I now sponsor 10 children in the Kabul orphanages, 9 girls and one little boy.  Seven of these are currently at the Mehan Orphanage and three at Sitara. As time passes, these very deep friendships grow finer, deeper, more special in my life.

Two years ago, I had the idea of building a library for the use of all the children.  As it happens, the schools in Afghanistan generally have no library at all, and I'm not sure there's anything like the public library systems that are so much part of our lives in this and many other countries.  Shy though I am, and having absolutely no experience at fundraising of any kind, I contacted schools and churches in my little corner of Connecticut.  I solicited donations of books, videos, and money.  Two of the schools and one church were terrifically enthusiastic and a few other sponsors chipped in as well.  The AFCECO organizers built a beautiful library in the Mehan Orphanage, and that facility is expanding into a multimedia center that is used by the children and staff in all three of the Kabul orphanages. 

For the past months, initially via Facebook, a small group of people, whom I now consider my close friends, have joined to talk about our sponsored children, about the orphanages, and about the situation in Afghanistan.  And now, joining hands with AfCECO, Charity Help International, and the new Veterans for Afghanistan group, we have our own website and can work together and, I hope, bring in the many sponsors from all over the world.  I am really excited about our prospects for making a big difference in a country that needs just the kind of help and love we are eager to provide.

Welcome to us all.